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HORMONAL BALANCE DR FRANCES PRINSLOO – LASERSURE CLINIC
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changes are a natural part of aging Our bodies are intricately made, and our hormones kept in balance for at least the first 40 years. Because it is such a complex and vast field only practical aspects are highlighted in this article. Thyroid function, Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, and Mineralocorticoids; of which aldosterone is most prominent are not discussed.
The importance of a healthy diet, lifestyle and exercise can never be over-emphasized. MENOPAUSE Most women experience menopause between ages 40 and 58. The average age is 51 but smoking and genetics can influence the timing of menopause. PERIMENOPAUSE May last 4 to 8 years. It begins with changes in the length of time between periods and ends 1 year after the final menstrual period. Woman’s ovaries stop making eggs and produce less estrogen and progesterone. It is usually confirmed when a woman has missed her period for 12 consecutive months (with no other obvious causes) POSTMENOPAUSE some women do not have sufficient symptoms to seek medical assistance, but many post-menopausal women present with symptoms, such as: Hot flushes, Night sweats, Skin flushing, and Vaginal atrophy. Other symptoms such as Forgetfulness, Headaches, Mood swings, Urine leakage, Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, Joint aches and pains or Heart palpitations. HORMONE DEFICIENCY AND SYMPTOMS Progesterone is usually the first hormone to decline. Most doctors know that progesterone is important to maintain pregnancy, prepare body for conception and regulate monthly menstrual cycle, but sadly few ever consider the following symptoms as related to progesterone deficiency; Lighter sleep, waking up between midnight and 2am drenched in sweat, Anxiety, panic attacks, Water retention, Worsening PMS, Mid-abdominal weight gain, Ageing skin and hair loss, Cysts and fibroids, and Bone loss. ESTROGEN More than 15 forms of natural estrogen have been identified including estrone, estradiol and estriol. Each of these types of oestrogen has different functions. Estrone (E1), produced in the ovaries and fat cells, is the dominant oestrogen in postmenopausal women. Estradiol (E2), (the predominant form in non-pregnant, reproductive females) primarily aids in the cyclic release of eggs from the ovaries (i.e., ovulation). E2 has beneficial effects on the heart, bone, brain, and colon. Reduction in the level of E2 causes common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. 52
Estriol (E3) is secreted in large quantities by the placenta during pregnancy. It is a comparatively weak oestrogen, and the form of oestrogen least associated with hormone-related cancers. In Europe and Japan, E3 is frequently used for HRT. E3`s protective effects become apparent when the differing actions, that each of the three primary oestrogen exerts upon the oestrogen receptors, are examined. Function of Estrogen: Stores fat, influences the Growth of breasts, decreases thyroid hormone, support vaginal tissue, Develop sex characteristics. Low estrogen; causes Hot flashes, Night sweats, Water retention and bloating, Weight gain, Breast tenderness, Depression, Fatigue, Poor concentration, Anxiety and insomnia TESTOSTERONE Low Testosterone in females causes Drying and thinning of skin, Fatigue, Bone loss, Incontinence, Depression, Vaginal dryness, and Low libido. LET’S TALK ABOUT MEN. Unlike the more dramatic reproductive hormone plunge that occurs in women during menopause, sex hormone changes in men occur gradually. A man’s testosterone levels decline on average about 1% a year after age 40. A lack of testosterone will affect mood, memory, motivation, confidence, energy level and overall health. It is marked by depression, fatigue, reduction of sexual desire and performance, muscle bulk and strength, as well as an increase in body fat. LOW PROGESTERONE IN MEN When men have low levels of progesterone, they also have low levels of testosterone. Some of the symptoms in men are the same as in women, such as depression, irritability, and low libido. Other symptoms are different and vary by age. These symptoms include; Erectile dysfunction, Muscle loss, Fatigue, Memory loss or trouble concentrating. HORMONAL BALANCE Biologically comprehensive hormone replacement should focus on a person’s total hormone balance. In woman the total hormone balance should be considered, not only on oestrogen and progesterone, but thyroid function and testosterone as well. In men consideration should be given to both progesterone and testosterone but always in the absence of prostrate pathology.
